Product Design Whiteboarding Mock Interview (with Netflix Product Designer)

Summary

The video script explores innovative ways to enhance the airport experience for travelers, focusing on the idea of integrating gyms to help with layovers. It discusses the importance of understanding user needs, identifying pain points, and considering business implications. The speaker outlines a potential solution involving airline apps, gym access, and additional services like showers, emphasizing the need for empathy, transparency, and flexibility in the design process.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The script discusses designing services in airports to help travelers spend time wisely without the need for membership fees or lounge passes.
• 🛫 It emphasizes the importance of understanding the user's perspective and the 'job to be done', which in this case is to provide easy access to resources for travelers during transit.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The idea of introducing gyms in airports for travelers with layovers is explored as a potential solution to help with circulation, energy levels, and possibly jet lag.
• 💡 The script highlights the need to consider assumptions, such as the traveler's energy levels and the potential benefits of exercise post-flight, when designing services.
• 🔍 Pain points in the proposed solution are identified, including the cost of access, whether the service is tied to specific airlines, and the need for additional amenities like showers.
• 📱 The concept of integrating gym access into airline apps is introduced, suggesting a technological solution that could enhance the traveler's experience.
• 🛍 The script also considers non-digital solutions, emphasizing the importance of service-oriented thinking that doesn't solely rely on mobile applications.
• 💰 A brief discussion on the business aspect of the solution is included, considering revenue generation and the balance between user benefits and business needs.
• 🔄 The process of iterating and refining ideas during a whiteboarding session is encouraged, showing adaptability and openness to feedback.
• 📊 A simple user workflow is outlined, demonstrating how a traveler might interact with the proposed service, from accessing the airline app to using the gym.
• 🎨 The script concludes with a mention of wireframing as a next step in the design process, suggesting a progression from conceptualization to detailed design.

Q & A

What is the main challenge addressed in the script regarding travelers' time spent at airports?

The script addresses the challenge of how to design services in airports that help travelers spend their time wisely and easily without insisting on paying for membership or lounge access.

What is the 'job to be done' concept mentioned in the script?

The 'job to be done' concept is about understanding the user's perspective and needs, in this case, it's about travelers wanting easy access to resources in airports to be ready to go as soon as they land.

What are some of the current services available in airports according to the script?

The script mentions private lounges, cafes, restaurants, vending machines, water fountains, restrooms, and gates as some of the current services available in airports.

What is the 'ideal state' the script aims to achieve for travelers in airports?

The ideal state aims to provide travelers with opportunities to relax and have a good time without having to spend much money, including access to amenities like gyms, meditation rooms, and shopping.

Why is the concept of gyms in airports considered in the script?

Gyms in airports are considered because they can help with blood circulation, especially after long flights, and potentially aid in combating jet lag and preparing the body for the next flight.

What assumptions does the script make about travelers who might use a gym at the airport?

The script assumes that travelers have a lot of energy, want to improve blood circulation post-flight, and may be mentally ready for getting off the plane, possibly benefiting from a gym to help with jet lag and energy levels.

What are some of the pain points associated with introducing gyms in airports as a solution?

Pain points include the potential for gyms to be smelly after flights, questions about gym membership access, whether it should be part of the airline ticket, and whether it should be airline-specific or part of the airport.

How does the script suggest integrating gym access with airline apps?

The script suggests creating an API code that airlines can integrate into their apps to show gym locations, allow payment of access fees, and offer additional services like showers or complimentary items.

What is the proposed user workflow for accessing a gym at the airport using an airline app?

The user workflow involves opening the airline app, noticing gym benefits, clicking on the gym option, using a QR code or digital member ID to access the gym, paying the access fee, and potentially paying for additional services like showers.

What is the importance of being transparent and flexible during the design process as described in the script?

Being transparent and flexible during the design process is important to show the thought process, acknowledge biases, and be open to feedback and changes, ensuring a solution that is user-centered and viable for business.